The power of red lips

MANILA, Philippines - Read my lips. Just as the LBD is a no-fail go wardrobe essential, when it comes to makeup, let me introduce you to the rock of my beauty Gibraltar: red lipstick.

I used to think concealer was my default must-have. But after much internal debate in my shower and glancing through countless Instagrams, I’ve come to these lipstick epiphanies:

1. Concealer may banish dark circles but can leave you with a pale face. Red lipstick, on the other hand, leaves you with a pop of color. So pucker up with Colour Collection Confidence Boost Lipstick in Runway Red.

2. Just as a killer Louboutin heel can turn heads, trust that red lips can instantly spruce up any lack-luster ensemble. Go bold with Smashbox Legendary.

3. Those “blah” days when your self-esteem has suddenly gone MIA and you need a good pick-me-upper, never fear! Red lippie is here! Faux that confidence with Benefit Full Finish Lipstick in Flirt Alert.

4. If there’s one bold statement anyone can express that doesn’t call for a tiny dress size, the answer is: bold red lips! Paint the town red with Maybelline Color Sensation Lip Color in Red Revival.

5. Until your next visit to the dentist, get instant pearly whites by flashing a blue-red a.k.a. cool-toned lip color. Need a clue? Say cheese, with MAC Tinted Lipglass Cream in Russian Red.

So, once again, red my lips: Cheeky much? Well, these days it’s called lippie.